SOUTH Hams Coun-cil moved swiftly this week to reassure the public that shingle moved from one end of Slapton Sands, would not be taken from below the high-tide mark.

Work to move the shingle from Strete Gate to Torcross, to improve sea defences, began on Monday, with the heavy moving work beginning next week.

But local residents expressed some doubts about the project.

In a letter to the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette, Laurie Emberson said: 'It is very encouraging to hear that steps are being taken to transfer some of the build-up of shingle to vulnerable areas of the bay.

'What is not clear is where the shingle is to be taken from.

'There is an ample supply in the area of Strete Gate Cliffs that has built up over the years. However, it must be seen as of prime importance that no shingle is removed from below the Spring tide high water mark to ensure that the exercise can in no way cause long-term problems with regard to the natural tidal movement of shingle within the bay.'

For more on this story, see this week's Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette